Encosta Do Guadiana Branco

Description

Herdade Paço do Conde dates back to the 14th century, first referenced in 1378, in the early days of the Kingdom of Portugal. The estate spans 4,000 hectares, much of it lying among the remains of an ancient Roman castle by the Guadiana River and the former Roman city of "Vilares." The properties of this estate have been in the possession of the Castelo Branco family for over three centuries. Its current management is held by José António Ferrão Castelo Branco, Luís Miguel Ferrão Castelo Branco, and Maria Luísa Castelo Branco Schmidt, grandchildren of the founder. The 4,000 hectares of the estate are farmed for a variety of purposes, from grape production for wine and olive groves to cereals, sown and natural pastures for cattle and the Preto de Montanheiro pig, among other agricultural activities. The continuity of the agricultural operation and the development of the winery and olive press are essential components of this project.